Discover Knee Anatomy and Maladies

Interact with the knee anatomy and visually explore a patient’s right knee. Learn more about healthy knee terms, common ailments and injuries. Navigate and access anatomical terms and maladies by clicking on the labels.

Osteoarthritis

Also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage, the protective material that cushions the ends of the bones between joints, wears down. As the cartilage wears away, it exposes the bones causing them to rub against each other. This leads to pain, stiffness, joint swelling and decreased joint mobility.

As the surface of one bone repeatedly rubs against another, the joint attempts to stabilize itself developing protrusions of bone and cartilage on the ends of the bones. These bone spurs or osteophytes can damage surrounding tissue. In some cases, small pieces of bone or cartilage break off and float inside the knee causing pain, inflammation and locking of the joint.